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While the Los Angeles Dodgers didn't have an early first-round draft pick in the 2026 MLB Draft, the franchise wanted to make sure one of their core positions can be covered down the road.
On Saturday, the Dodgers selected shortstop Bo Lowrance, who played for Christ Church Episcopal High School in South Carolina, as the No. 40 overall pick.
Lowrance, who is 6-foot-5 and weighs 200 pounds, had a pick value of $2.50 million. Lowrance bats left and throws right, which means he'd find a place in the Dodgers' lineup way down the road.
Here's what MLB.com shared as far as a prospect report regarding Lowrance. It should be noted that Lowrance was listed as a shortstop in the listings of draft selections, but he's also listed at third base in the more focused MLB profile information.
"Lowrance's hitting ability has generated a lot of buzz this spring, to the extent that he could go in the first round," the report indicated. "He has a similar offensive profile and better secondary tools than fellow South Carolina prep product P.J. Morlando, a Marlins first-rounder two years ago.
"The top prospect in Virginia's recruiting class, he's unlikely to make it to Charlottesville," the report continued. "Lowrance has a smooth left-handed stroke and a track record of delivering against quality competition on the showcase circuit.
"He doesn't try to do too much at the plate, making consistent contact to all fields despite naturally long levers with his 6-foot-5 frame and drawing comparisons to Freddie Freeman," according to the report.
"He doesn't lift and pull many pitches at this point, so he'll need to add strength and make some adjustments to realize his 25-homer potential," the report continued. "Though Lowrance moves well for his size, his average speed and quickness will dictate a move to third base at the next level."
The Dodgers' organization has a long history of stellar shortstops, going all the way back to Bill Russell. When it comes to third basemen, well, just think back to the days of "The Penguin," Ron Cey, managing the hot corner.
Dodgers amateur scouting director Zach Fitzpatrick had some thoughts on the Dodgers' first-round pick. He appears to be quite happy that the franchise is putting its focus on a player like Lowrance.
"For Bo, it's a good player to model his game after, so we're happy about that," Fitzpatrick said on a Zoom call with the media on Saturday, according to the Dodgers' MLB.com site. Lowrance has drawn comparisons to Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman.
"We didn't have any Freddie Freeman comps necessarily as we went and scouted him. … But we do think Bo can hit, and we like his swing and starting point and foundation from that standpoint. So if he's anywhere close to Freddie, that would be a great outcome for us."
Lowrance will have to work through the franchise's minor leagues. At some point, though, Dodgers fans might just see him at third base in the majors.
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On Saturday, the Dodgers selected shortstop Bo Lowrance, who played for Christ Church Episcopal High School in South Carolina, as the No. 40 overall pick.
Lowrance, who is 6-foot-5 and weighs 200 pounds, had a pick value of $2.50 million. Lowrance bats left and throws right, which means he'd find a place in the Dodgers' lineup way down the road.
Lowrance's profile information
Here's what MLB.com shared as far as a prospect report regarding Lowrance. It should be noted that Lowrance was listed as a shortstop in the listings of draft selections, but he's also listed at third base in the more focused MLB profile information.
"Lowrance's hitting ability has generated a lot of buzz this spring, to the extent that he could go in the first round," the report indicated. "He has a similar offensive profile and better secondary tools than fellow South Carolina prep product P.J. Morlando, a Marlins first-rounder two years ago.
"The top prospect in Virginia's recruiting class, he's unlikely to make it to Charlottesville," the report continued. "Lowrance has a smooth left-handed stroke and a track record of delivering against quality competition on the showcase circuit.
"He doesn't try to do too much at the plate, making consistent contact to all fields despite naturally long levers with his 6-foot-5 frame and drawing comparisons to Freddie Freeman," according to the report.
"He doesn't lift and pull many pitches at this point, so he'll need to add strength and make some adjustments to realize his 25-homer potential," the report continued. "Though Lowrance moves well for his size, his average speed and quickness will dictate a move to third base at the next level."
Infield history is there for Dodgers
The Dodgers' organization has a long history of stellar shortstops, going all the way back to Bill Russell. When it comes to third basemen, well, just think back to the days of "The Penguin," Ron Cey, managing the hot corner.
Dodgers amateur scouting director Zach Fitzpatrick had some thoughts on the Dodgers' first-round pick. He appears to be quite happy that the franchise is putting its focus on a player like Lowrance.
"For Bo, it's a good player to model his game after, so we're happy about that," Fitzpatrick said on a Zoom call with the media on Saturday, according to the Dodgers' MLB.com site. Lowrance has drawn comparisons to Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman.
"We didn't have any Freddie Freeman comps necessarily as we went and scouted him. … But we do think Bo can hit, and we like his swing and starting point and foundation from that standpoint. So if he's anywhere close to Freddie, that would be a great outcome for us."
Lowrance will have to work through the franchise's minor leagues. At some point, though, Dodgers fans might just see him at third base in the majors.
Join the Community
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It's completely free to join. Share your thoughts, engage with our Roundtable writers, and chat with fellow members.
Download the free Roundtable APP, and stay even more connected!
Continue reading...
